Intel introduces "grow-your-own" die technology

Intel has announced the development of new die packaging technology that will mean processors ten times faster than today's top speeds and containing as many as 1 billion transistors. Currently, silicon chips are connected to their packaging by tiny balls of solder, or bumps. Intel researchers have come up with BBUL packaging, or Bumpless Build-Up Layer, that is "grown" around the silicon as a thin layer with high-speed copper connections. ...more

Broadband opened up

BT has been ordered to allow broadband suppliers to make ADSL interconnections to its network, in a move designed to give a 'major boost' to broadband competition. The ruling, by industry regulator Oftel, will allow broadband suppliers to take DSL traffic from BT's network and carry it on on their own. This will enable the provision of what Oftel calls, 'a much wider range of broadband services in competition with BT. ...more

Yahoo Video to host 'viewer created' TV content

In another twist in the current rush for anything resembling video on the web, Yahoo has signed a deal with Al Gore's (yes, that one) Current TV service to create to create a new social network based around TV style channels. Current TV, a pioneer in what is called 'viewer created content' allows programme makers to put their own videos online. By partnering with Yahoo, the service hopes that the portal's expertise in building communities will lead to a rapid expansion in traffic. ...more

Comment: Podcasters beware, the marketeers are coming

This year has been earmarked as the tipping point for the new age of online media, with blogs, podcasts and video podcasts beginning to challenge the dinosaurs of broadcasting. The supposed mass migration of people to the web will relieve traditional media firms of their viewers and listeners, putting pressure on the old-school rules of advertising. If you read too much into the meanderings of many online blogs, this new frontier promises a world of free entertainment, bereft of adverts and annoyances such as having to abide by the strict schedules of TV or radio. ...more

VeriSign makes truce with BulkRegister, FTC ignites new war

VeriSign is facing an investigation by the FTC after a number of suits brought against it for a direct-mail marketing campaign. The company yesterday reached a settlement with BulkRegister for an undisclosed sum, but still faces suits brought by Go Daddy, a related consumer group filing by the California Consumer Action Group, as well as a class action suit brought by consumers against VeriSign for its 'deceptive' marketing practices. VeriSign said in a statement: 'We've been asked by the FTC not to comment on their request for information regarding our marketing activities in the domain name business. ...more